Meridian candidates interviewed

Their goals varied from wanting to help the district work through the states current economic crisis to figuring out ways to keep students in Meridian schools. And Friday night, each of the four candidates for the Meridian superintendent position had about an hour to convince the Board of Education why he or she was the best candidate to help bring about positive changes.

Esther Mudge, current superintendent at Manistique Area Schools, praised the district for excelling, even in the midst of statewide financial hardship.

"I think Meridian has some economic problems, as all schools in the state have," Mudge said. "But one of the challenges is to maintain the academics and programs that youre doing well in, even while dealing with economic issues."

When asked what her top priorities are during these difficult financial times, she responded, "Kids, kids, kids."

"Academics, co-curriculum activities and finding out what we need for our kids," Mudge said. "Were not an employment agency, were here for the kids."

And in order to establish what is best for Meridian students, communication must be key, she said.

"I would talk to the staff, teachers and administrators to see what their vision is and what they feel should be done to keep students first," Mudge said.

Shed also like the community to embrace her serene personality.

"Im good at calming situations and staying unruffled," she said. "I can usually bring a parent into my office, shut the door and work through the problem. Ive had success in soothing over situations."

And why Meridian?

"I see it as a challenge, a way to live in a nice rural area and be part of a dynamic school system," Mudge said.

Doug Fillmore also praised the districts education system. The director of facilities, operations and student services for Midland Public Schools knows Meridian Schools first hand, as he is a graduate and parent of a current Meridian student.

While he knows meeting state and federal curriculum mandates pose challenges, he said the first step in remedying the problems is by being a customer-driven district.

"We need to work within our community to make sure everybody understands our vision and where we want to go," he said. "I believe in making decisions, but I also believe you take the time to listen."

Fillmore believes any kind of change must start at the top.

"I like change. I think its stimulating," he said. "But good leadership begins with being a good model. And a good leader has to be a good communicator."

However, he noted that change wont always come without some sort of resistance.

"Change is very uncomfortable for some people, so you have to learn how to handle it and realize you cant ignore people," he said. "That doesnt mean you always have to agree, but you use dialogue to work through things."

Unfortunately, for many districts, one of the hot topics is how to save money, which could mean cutting budgets. Again thats where open communication is vital, Fillmore said.

"This has not been one of my favorite years in education, because it seems were always talking about cuts," he said. "But together we have to figure out how to keep the cuts as far away from the classroom as possible."

And when it comes to what he would like most about being superintendent for Meridian, its being in a community that cares.

"I want to be able to make a difference in a community I believe in," he said. "The sense of pride and community you have here is one of the most important things to me, and I dont want to see that go away."

Though not a native of the district, Dennis Stine does have ties to Meridian. The Meridian High principal wants to establish communication within the district, particularly among board members.

"You have to have input from all sides," he said. "Its important that the superintendent gets information to the board about issues that affect everyone, because good communication has to go both ways."

And while dealing with financial concerns would be the least favorite part of the job, Stine said his enjoyment from working with the community would outweigh the other aspect. He said being involved with the community is one of the main jobs of a superintendent.

"The superintendent should be active and around the students, because its important for them to know who the superintendent is," he said.

As principal, Stine isnt a stranger to showing his face in the community, and plans to continue if selected as superintendent.

"I spend more time than I have to at the school. I believe in being here early, getting the work done and being with the students," he said. "With me, youll find someone trying to get the work done every day and to the best of my ability."

For Bob Grover, principal at Chippewa Hills Intermediate School, the superintendent position will be based on having all around input in order to reach goals.

"Im not afraid to stand up and ask people what they know," he said. "You have to be willing to work together to make a difference."

He said honesty and openness are vital tools in working relationships, especially between a superintendent and the board.

"This is a team, and if you dont work together as a team its not going to work," Grover said.

He knows that becoming part of the Meridian team will be a challenge, but he wants to embrace the opportunity.

"Becoming familiar with the district will be challenging because Ive become comfortable at Chippewa," he said. "But I dont expect Meridian to change for me, I expect to have to change for them."

Student achievement, Grover said, is above everything. And one of the ways students will succeed is by knowing people who care are behind them.

"I like the size of Meridian because I can come in, see everybody and know the faces  its more personal," he said. "(But) you have to be visible. An administrator who is behind the desk trying to get all the paperwork done doesnt know the people. You need to know the people."

After the interviews, board President Kimrea Muma said she was impressed with the quality of candidates.

"We were pleased with the knowledge each had about our school district and the changes districts across the state are facing," she said. "I was glad to see that theres still some enthusiasm in wanting to be a superintendent."

Monday, at the boards regularly scheduled meeting, members will discuss how they want to proceed in the hiring process. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the junior high media center.